Now that the school year has begun, the RNC is stressing the importance of online safety.

RNC Constable James Cadigan says back-to-school is a good time for parents to teach students about responsible online behavior and set guidelines for their children.

Some common online safety practices include only using tablets or devices in common areas at home, knowing your children’s usernames and passwords, and setting parental controls to reduce the risk of exposure to sexually explicit or violent content.

Cadigan says it’s important for parents to keep an open dialogue with their kids about online safety.

“Talk about the risks of sharing photographs. There should be no sharing of photographs without a parent’s supervision, or that discussion about the fact that once you share a photo, it’s gone; you can’t get that back.”

Cadigan says cyber bullying is another topic parents should discuss with children.

– Only use tablets or devices in common areas at home. Parents are advised to keep devices connected to the internet out of bedrooms and other private spaces.

– Know your children’s usernames and passwords, and regularly monitor their online activity.

– Set parental controls to reduce the risk of exposure to sexually explicit content.

– Explain that pictures should only be exchanged with parental permission. Emphasize that once pictures are sent to others they cannot be retracted.

– Discuss appropriate and inappropriate material and maintain open dialogue with your children.

– Teach your children to never give out personal information without your permission.

– Talk to your children about cyber bullying. Tell them not to participate and to tell an adult immediately.